A NEW cardiology unit has been officially opened at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton after ten years of work by staff and fundraisers to bring it up to standard.

The cardiology service has been moved into a converted ward in the main hospital after years of working out of a portable cabin the hospital grounds.

The new unit now has more space for diagnostic testing and is nearer to the wards, so in-patients do not have to be wheeled outside for tests.

Out-patient clinics for heart patients can also now be done at the unit, meaning that patients no longer have to walk around the hospital to use different pieces of equipment.

The cardiology unit was officially opened by consultant physician/cardiologist Dr Upendra Somasundram who retired from the hospital at the end of March.

Dr Somasundram championed the need for the new unit during his career at the hospital, which he joined in 1984 as the only consultant, and retired just one week before it became operational.

He said: "The wheels of the NHS grind very slowly. I was hoping to be able to work here before I retired but it was not to be.

"The new unit is fantastic and it is what the staff here deserve for all their wonderful work - I am very pleased and proud for them today."

Dr Somasundram also praised the efforts of fundraisers, in particular the Friends of Friarage Hospital, in helping to get the unit off the ground.

Dr Richard Graham, consultant cardiologist, said: "We were delighted to move into the new unit. It is a vast improvement on our previous department, providing a more pleasant environment for both patients and staff.

"We are also very grateful to all those patients, relatives and organisations who made donations, which have allowed us to refurbish the coronary care unit, hopefully leading to a more comfortable stay for patients with acute heart problems."